Percepção dos enfermeiros sobre os principais desafios enfrentados no tratamento da hanseníase no município de Grajaú, Maranhão

Abstract

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, characterized by the involvement of the skin and peripheral nerves. When not diagnosed and treated early, it can lead to physical deformities and permanent disabilities, negatively affecting patients' quality of life, social inclusion, and occupational activities. This study aimed to understand nurses' perceptions of the main challenges faced in the treatment of leprosy in the municipality of Grajaú, Maranhão, Brazil. It is a field study with a mixed-methods (qualitative and quantitative) approach, conducted in Primary Health Care Units (PHCUs) located in the urban area of Grajaú, involving eight nurses working in Primary Health Care. Data were collected through interviews using a structured covering professional training, clinical practice, challenges encountered in patient care, and participants' perceptions of the stigma associated with leprosy. The data were analyzed using an integrated approach, combining qualitative analysis to interpret participants' statements and quantitative analysis to organize frequencies and percentages, while ensuring compliance with ethical research principles and maintaining participants' confidentiality.